Kentish Express Ashford & District
Kennington joy as late goal earns cup win
Youth football
Kennington Juniors under-16s survived a stunning comeback from Bromley in Sunday’s Kent Cup final, scoring a dramatic winner in time added on to lift the trophy.
The late goal and 4-3 win at Faversham’s Salters Lane ground triggered great scenes of celebration from the Kennington camp. Having already accounted for two other clubs whose senior sides also play in the National League, Ebbsfleet and Maidstone, Kennington knew they were in for a tough game.
They were given the perfect start after just two minutes when Callum Austin fired home from the righthand side of the box. This effort, though, was eclipsed by midfielder Morgan Green on 12 minutes as his stunning pile-driver from 20 yards gave the goalkeeper no chance, making it 2-0. Kennington played some effective short passing football on a tricky surface with Jamie Finlayson prominent and moving into the second half Sid Hopkins’ close range volley was brilliantly saved. Zach Wall and Jamie Lawrence were solid in central defence. Noah Carney drove with pace in to the box, pulling the ball back and Green was fouled. Carney despatched the penalty to make it 3-0. With the match seemingly over, Bromley staged a superb comeback, powering home three goals in just 10 minutes and incredibly the game was anyone’s for the taking.
Austin headed over but Kennington were clinging on now as the game moved into added time.
With one last push, Kennington’s never say die spirit came to the fore. Josh Akehurst fed Carney who released Finn Reid on the left side. His first touch took him in to the 18 yard box and he finished with aplomb, passing in to the far corner of the net.